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Calling All Smart Arses & Witty Members

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Started 6 months ago by BuffaloHawk
Latest reply from BuffaloHawk

BuffaloHawk

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Who is up for this? We could create some serious memories & material from this experience that would carry on for a long time. I am honestly half tempted to check this gig out. I am trying to figure out the over / under on how long we would last if we get on a roll.

Good Times .. haHa

On a side not I wish the home page here didn't get censored by Facebook. That blog is not nearly as busy as MyBallard and look at the amount of comments.

http://www.phinneywood.com/2012/11/19/reality-chef-gordon-ramsay-filming-kitchen-nightmares-at-yannis-in-phinney-ridge-next-week/

This is the fourth season of the show, where Chef Ramsay tries to help a fledgling restaurant turn around and be more successful.

Producer Joe Di Lauro contacted us to say they’re looking for people to dine at Yanni’s during filming. To make reservations to eat during filming, diners need to email the producers at seattlerest@gmail.com. Reservations can’t be made through Yanni’s.

Posted 6 months ago #
Nora Bell

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Heh. My mom lives in Greenwood and loves Ramsey. She's one witty smart-arse who is trying hard to get on the list of diners.

Posted 6 months ago #
Compass Rose

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OMG, I so want to do this!!! I've been a fan of the show since the UK version (which is much better than the U.S. one).

I just emailed them and got an auto-response with a short survey asking about what I like in restaurants, what my favorite restaurant in that area is, etc. etc. I filled it out and hope we get picked for a reservation!!

Thanks for posting this, BH!

Posted 6 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Well, no luck with trying to make a reservation for this. Did anyone else snag one?

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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CR: I was fascinated by the cultural differences when I watched the UK version of Kitchen Nightmares. Specifically, speaking calmly, softly and in polite words but doing what I call "emotional yelling." That culture is famous for it, but I found it fascinating to watch. I haven't seen the UK Hell's Kitchen.

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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Kitchen Nightmares? Seriously?

I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about it doesn't feel right.

Yet, in true 'reality show' format, it's all stocked with true drama. /sarcasm.

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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onederfullone: What really gives a person pause are the "miracle turnarounds" in certain shows. Sure, most have initial resistance and then start working things out, but occasionally you get the super adamant non-budging owners, yet over a commercial break they miraculously turn around and sing kumbaya with Ramsay. I'd SO love to hear what was said to him off camera. Also, just once I'd like to see a show where the food was great and it was everything else that was incompetent.

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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I'm not saying it won't be worth watching, but yes, its clearly contrived media.

I think any follow-up story would be far more interesting, if the place even lasts a year afterward. Seems the owners will sell out long before editing is completed, any current employees will be signing away their job.

Maybe I'm just too skeptical, but it smells worse than Ramsey to me.

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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Actually, they DO occasionally do follow up stories. Some of them worked out, a couple not.

Posted 5 months ago #
SmartsyArtsy

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Hey! It's Smartsyartsy, not Smartsy Ass !!!

Watch that, BH

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Update: I got a reservation for lunch on Friday!! Very excited!!!

Phoo, have you just seen the UK version, or the U.S. version? The UK version, not surprisingly, is much better. It's more nuanced and they get more into the financial situation and other factors that led to the downfall, rather than just amping up the drama like the U.S. version does.

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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One - well, duh. It's a U.S. reality show. Most of them are contrived to some degree. Top Chef is better than most, since it actually involves skill and ability. But the drama is still ramped up, of course.

Posted 5 months ago #
pennygirl

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"Specifically, speaking calmly, softly and in polite words but doing what I call "emotional yelling." That culture is famous for it, but I found it fascinating to watch."

'That' culture? You make us sound like something out of the Stone Age. You have no idea what you are talking about.

Oh, and Ramsay is funnyish.

Posted 5 months ago #
oldguybc

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Got a picture of Ms OG & Guy Fieri in front of his new Johnny Garlic restaurant in SJ, took it as he arrived to open it for the first time, couldn't get in but managed a picture of them in front. Guy had just got his stolen Lambo back so he was super happy.
Will post it if I can figure out how to do it

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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seems like Guy should be driving a Ferrari.

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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""Specifically, speaking calmly, softly and in polite words but doing what I call "emotional yelling." That culture is famous for it, but I found it fascinating to watch.""

penny, I would take that description as being more civilized than the brutish americans we're used to seeing on TV. we're the ones in the stone age.

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Did anyone read that blistering review of his new restaurant in the NYT? It was scathing, just brutal.

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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PG, I just meant that English culture is much different than American. And Seattle culture is different than Portland culture, NW culture different than NE culture, etc. GI probably has it on that one.

I know I am not making this up, though likely using imprecise and primitive words to describe it, as I have heard this quality referenced multiple times.

Posted 5 months ago #
pennygirl

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Phoo..

I'm just not a fan of people making generalizations about Brits on this forum when there are only two of us to counter. Unless you are part of the culture you can't even begin to understand it.

I didn't appreciate the 'emotional yelling' part of it because if anything, British people say what they say and are point blank. We don't beat around the bush. Emotional yelling is reserved for this side of the pond.

Posted 5 months ago #
Mondoman

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Thought y'all tend toward the ironic, but I ain't been British in a heap o' generations. Reckoned you was Welsh, is the British yo' people, too?

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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PG: Maybe you didn't understand what I meant by "emotional yelling." I don't mean that that they were raising their voice while in an emotional state. I meant that a person was being chewed to pieces, and yet the tone and words were very calm but provoked an emotional response from the context. Perhaps the English use a higher context language than Americans.

I don't pretend to understand it. I find it interesting.

Posted 5 months ago #
pennygirl

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Whatever. <<<Stupid American term I learned when I moved here :-)

Posted 5 months ago #
teigyr

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pg, I think that term is more California (Southern, in particular) culture. You are getting your cultures mixed up, perhaps we should segregate the above-mentioned cultures as to maintain their purity.

I admire your language skills though, unfortunately my culture doesn't have that. We DO have the ability to drive fast though, that must count for something?

Posted 5 months ago #
Ernie

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Blimey!

Posted 5 months ago #
Corvus

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You mean that not all Britts have bad teeth? My preconceptions have been dashed!

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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No, Corvus, they all have bad teeth. I'm wearing braces on mine at the moment, thanks to my Dad's shitty English teeth genes.

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Back to the original topic, I am very excited about possibly catching a glimpse of GR on Friday! I'm also curious to see what goes on behind the scenes - what instructions they give audience members, how set-up it seems, etc.

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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CR: Tell us all about it! Were you able to get something as a single or did you go in with others?

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Phoo, I emailed them back today to ask if they'd picked people for reservations yet; I got the standard "we've received an overwhelming response" email and emailed back saying that if there are any cancellations, please let me know. Shortly after I got an email saying there was a lunch reservation available for two of four people.

Motto: sometimes, all you've gotta do is ask.

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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that's interesting that they're even doing lunch. maybe they're looking for some daytime shots since it's dark out by dinnertime.

we're closely approaching the shortest days of the year. I believe the earliest sunset is coming up Dec. 7th.

so squeaky wheel, who are the one to three people you'll be bringing?
someone w/ nice teeth please :)

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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I wondered that about the daylight, GI, but I think they sometimes film during lunch as well as dinner.

Sadly, the husband, who's a big fan of the show too, can't come since he's working, so I'm taking three girlfriends. All have lovely, straight teeth.

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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I wonder if GR will stop in at the George & Dragon for a pint since it is a true English pub.

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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well I hope you report back with some of your experience tomorrow, cr.

I'll bet you never thought so hard about what-to-wear to a Greek restaurant!

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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With America so addicted to reality TV I wonder if there would be an overwhelming response to a Honey Boo Boo appearance?

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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Now, and for the very first time, I'll at least DVR this episode.

I doubt I will be impressed, but at least it has some local relevance.

okay, relevance is too strong a word...

Posted 5 months ago #
Mondoman

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CR - please flash the camera a secret signal (perhaps a Swedish flag?) so we know it's you when we see the show on TV. I'm also quite curious about how they run the whole thing. They usually do some sort of big makeover inside -- perhaps they'll be working on that on Saturday?

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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flash/cut/paste.

They don't make the big bucks for nothing.

btw, they can 'fix' all your perfect teeth as well...

Wardrobe? lol, I'd really like to know how that all goes.

Anyway, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Yes, I'm a bit jaded, in case it wasn't clear.

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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GI, haha!!! I was just thinking about what to wear (heels for lunch? too dressy? nice top? or something more casual?) I will definitely report back. I'm still waiting for the confirmation email with instructions about what time to show up, etc. I hope I get it soon. Yeah, I know, I'm kind of stupidly excited about this.

Mondo, I'm not sure I can swing a secret signal, but if there's any way I can surreptitiously take any photos, I will. I'm guessing cell phones and cameras are not allowed.

One, how would they "fix" the perfect teeth? If there was an instant way to fix teeth, I wish I'd known about it before I had the braces put on.

I doubt lunch is free, but I'm willing to pay to get a behind-the-scenes perspective and possibly even a glimpse of the man himself. Jeez, you sound like a cranky old man.

Posted 5 months ago #
phoo

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onderfullone: actually, it's not free. You still have to pay for it and if they shut the kitchen down, you'll go home hungry.

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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They better not shut the kitchen down. He's been doing that with increasing frequency and it's always accompanied by some breathless narration along the lines of "In one of Kitchen Nightmares' most SHOCKING episodes yet .... "

One thing I liked much better about the UK version was that Gordon Ramsay narrates, rather than some anonymous announcer guy.

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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"One, how would they "fix" the perfect teeth?"

um...CG, I would assume you've heard of it? More likely they'll just edit out what doesn't follow their narrative. *Advice* Don't think that anything you do will be on TV, unless it fits a story line, which could go any numbers of ways, frankly. The worst thing is to be the one person to bring down the house, fwiw.

...some announcer guy, indeed.

Perhaps it will all go swimmingly, and your lunch as well...

...if that's the case, dinner will totally be worth DVR'ing. ;-0

No matter what, Seattle will be on the map! Nothing can go wrong!

...unless they require you to wear Northern Exposure seconds...

damn, I'm really jaded. Really.

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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I have no idea what your vague reference referred to, One. Photoshop? Editing people out of scenes? You have to be more specific.

I seriously doubt they'll be dressing customers.

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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CR .. You where not a member yet when they gave out decoders to understand what oneder is saying;)

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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I signed up for a decoder...still waiting...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhOvaJXmDSk&feature=fvst

Good news, my Christmas lights are finally done! ;-)

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Just got the confirmation email, which included a release and non-disclosure agreement - which means I'm not allowed to report back or write anything about it, unfortunately. Bummer!

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Apparently not, BuffaloHawk. :)

Posted 5 months ago #
onederfullone

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The gig is up, CR.

Enjoy your lunch, lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNLioqZvOPE

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Um, yeah, One ... except that in this case, participants are actually required to sign an NDA. Not at all the same situation.

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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CR .. haHa .. Your husband is really going to miss out since now you can't even tell him how your day went:)

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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I might have to tell him a little about it. :) But no posting or writing freelance stories about it, sadly.

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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maybe you can at least answer some yes/no questions from us.

like..is Gordon really that pit-faced or have they photoshopped him to make him appear meaner when he's berating a chef?

does he throw around little catch-phrases, like "this souvlaki is bloody awful!"

Posted 5 months ago #
pennygirl

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Well judging how this thread has gone I will lay money that CR won't be able to keep her gob shut for a second :-)

Posted 5 months ago #
Mondoman

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Any sightings of GR yet around Ballard? Maybe he's hanging at some posh hotel downtown instead.

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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compass rose--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=angi1vwUkQc

ya gotta give us something!

did Gordon bring the musician Yanni in as a surprise guest?

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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Was there any crying ?

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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Well, I can tell you that my friend and I got there early and went to Caffe Vita across the street to get a coffee. As we were walking up to the place, there were some camera people shooting; they asked us to come and sign releases since they'd just filmed us. As we were doing that, we looked over and Gordon Ramsay came walking up the street and into Caffe Vita. We went in after him and he was interviewing the owner of Yanni's, across the street.

Lunch was pretty non-eventful. It was very cool to see GR in real life. He looked great. That's probably all I should say about it.

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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Damn.. Less info and substance than a Meghan Walker ..

Mad Skills CR

Posted 5 months ago #
Compass Rose

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What, BH? Do I need a decoder for you as well?

Posted 5 months ago #
BuffaloHawk

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GI - I found some info on the taping and may actually tune in to watch this episode.

http://q13fox.com/2012/12/02/kitchen-nightmares-is-a-dream-for-local-restaurant/

A quick glance of the Yanni’s online reviews and you’ll see some of those complaints. Chef Ramsay said the problem with Yanni’s starts with its dysfunctional kitchen.

“This is a family run restaurant that almost not just lost its way, but fell out of love for each other let alone the restaurant,” said Ramsay.

He described the restaurant owner as being in disarray and “at war with each other”.

“He’s old fashioned and treats his family almost like military,” said Ramsay of Yanni’s patriarch and head chef.

Ramsay says the father-daughter team running the kitchen are stubborn, headstrong, and at times ignore each other.

“He doesn’t show them enough love,” said Ramsay. “The most important thing was bringing them together.”

Posted 5 months ago #
great idea

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I will definitely tune in, if nothing else for a rare glimpse of compass rose.

haven't been to this place in years--will maybe give it another try when the hype dies down.
I wonder if they'll put the produce back in the freezer when Gordon leaves.

Posted 5 months ago #

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